Library of Universal Knowledge Volume 4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 Excerpt: ...heard on the outside. They were blockaded in their intrenchments. But many of the leading people of Mecca began to take pity upon the besieged, and finally it was suggested to Abu Taleb that the bond hung up in the Kaaba had been eaten by the ants, so as to be valid no longer. This was found to be the case, whereupon it was decided that the league was ended, and the Hashimites returned to their homes. But other misfortunes were in store for the founder of Islam. His good uncle, Abu Taleb, soon died; and his faithful wife, Khadijah, also went to her grave not long afterward. Having thus lost his guardian and protector, Mohammed retired from Mecca, taking Zeid with him as his only companion on a mission to Tayif, sixty or seventy miles east of Mecca, in hopes of converting the inhabitants of that place. We can sarcely think of the Prophet in this lonely journey without sympathy. He was on a mission to preach the doctrine of One True God to idolators. But he failed to make any impression upon them, and as he left the town he was followed by a howling mob, who hooted him and pelted him with stones. Finally they left him, and in the shadow of some trees he betook himself to prayer. The Moslems have preserved his words, which they believe to have been as follows: "O Lord I make my complaint unto Thee of the feebleness of my strength and the weakness of my plans. I am insignificant in the sight of men. O Thou most merciful Lord of the weak Thou art my Lord Do not abandon me. Leave me not a prey to these strangers, nor to my foes. If Thou art not offended, I am safe. I seek refuge in the light of Thy countenance, by which all darkness is dispersed and peace comes. There is no power, no help, but in Thee." Mohammed's faith, in that hour of prayer, was ...